CAPE CORAL, FLA --
An Iraq war hero living with a terminal illness was honored Thursday night while he can still share the special moment with loved ones.
Sergeant Lee Hernandez served this country for 18 years and now his name goes in a place where he will never be forgotten.
"This an amazing gesture for him," said Kara Fuller, who works with veterans. "He's going through so much. A lot of hardships trying to get care," he added.
Fuller and Michelle Rosenberger made a poster for Sgt. Hernandez with well wishes written on the back. The duo also plan on sending him video tributes for him to listen to while he is in home hospice.
"When I found out he was an Iraq veteran, I wanted to honor him," said Rosenberger, the Iraq War Memorialchairperson.
But the duo didn't just honor one vet, they paid their respects to another fifty. Rosenberger and Fuller took a moment after each one to say a little something from their hearts.
"Say thank you and so honored to honor you," said Rosenberger.
One of the dog tags Kara Fuller placed has a special place in her heart.
"I teared up because this is my son and I'm so proud of him and what he continues to do," said Fuller. "I put that on there and gave it a kiss and said, 'Momma loves you'," she added.
It's that love which symbolizes the monument here in the purple heart city.
"I thought that was just so amazing about Cape Coral that this community is so military based and has such a heart for our veterans, I love that," she added.
